Newest Ranger Brandon Mashinter will start on fourth line
San Jose Sharks center Brandon Mashinter moves the puck during a game in San Jose, Calif. Credit: AP, 2011
The 24-year-old Brandon Mashinter, who was called up yesterday to replace Darroll Powe, who sustained a concussion against the Capitals on Sunday and was placed on IR, is expected to dress tonight against Montreal at MSG.
The 6-4, 230 pound forward, who had 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 65 AHL games last season, was acquired from San Jose on Jan. 16 in exchange for Tommy Grant. He played 13 games for San Jose in 2010-11, with no points and 17 penalty minutes.
Mashinter, who will wear No. 40, was 5-6-11 in 14 games with the Connecticut Whale along with 23 penalty minutes, and will be the ninth player to make his Rangers debut this season.
"A little bit (of nerves), but I've been here before, so I know what to expect," he said this morning, adding that he has not changed his game since last playing in the NHL
Mashinter, who is more than willing to drop the gloves, (213 penalty minutes in 09-10 and 10-11 in the A) apparently will skate on a fourth line with Jeff Halpern and Aaron Asham. There was only an optional practice for the Rangers this morning in Westchester and fewer than a dozen players were on the ice.
Chris Kreider and Stu Bickel stayed on the ice for conditioning, and are the likely scratches. I'm guessing both Mashinter, who coach John Tortorella wants to evaluate, and Kreider, will be on the trip to Ottawa and Montreal.
